February Home Maintenance
February is a time of year to indulge in home comforts like cooking big-batch meals, reading in the afternoon and watching movies with the family. But there’s always something to be done around the house! Here are 10 things we think you should add to add to your to-do list this month so you can stay on top of it all.
Rotate Your Mattress
Before you put on a fresh set of sheets, take an extra minute to rotate the mattress if you haven’t done so recently. Rotating your mattress every few months will help it wear more evenly and extend its life (and comfort).
Pack Up A Bag Of Old Sheets And Towels To Donate
If you bought new sheets or towels during January white sales, make some room by letting go of an old set or two. Homeless shelters and some churches will accept donations of bedding and towels in good condition, and animal shelters are often in need of towels. (Check that donations are being currently accepted.) Really worn linens can be cut up and used as rags or dropped in a textile recycling bin.
Clean Entryway Floors
If winters are cold where you are, road salt and melting snow can mean entryway floors take a beating. Pick up clutter and give the floors a good mopping. To keep floors looking their best between cleanings, stash a few old towels in a basket near the door to wipe up messes.
Keep Sidewalks And Entryways Free Of Ice And Snow (even while you’re away)
Ice and snow can make walkways dangerous for visitors. Aim to shovel snow promptly, and sprinkle gravel, straw or wood chips to provide traction. Frequent light shoveling is better than letting the snow build up. And if you plan to be away during an expected winter storm, hire someone to clear the sidewalk and front steps of your home while you’re gone. Your neighbors and mail carrier will thank you.
Organize Bookshelves
Pull out volumes that you didn’t enjoy or are finished with and sell or donate them, leaving a bit of extra room on each shelf for new titles. And if you get distracted by beloved old books you had forgotten about, just roll with it. After all, there are few better places to spend a winter afternoon than in a comfortable chair with a good book.
Refresh Your Movie-Watching Zone
Winter is a good time to catch up on movies you missed in the theater or to binge-watch your favorite shows. So why not make your movie-watching zone as comfy and cozy as possible? Start by vacuuming the floors and upholstery (using a vacuum attachment) and by clearing away clutter. Next, assess your collection of movies and games, donating extras to charity. Finally, make sure there are plenty of comfortable pillows and throws and lighting that can be dimmed.
Boost Warmth
Whether leaks are letting hot air inside during the warmer months or letting in drafts during the cooler season, one of the quickest energy- and money-saving tasks you can do is caulk, seal and weather strip all cracks and large openings to the outside. Air takes the path of least resistance, so make sure you’re sealed up tight.
Check Bathrooms For Moisture, Mildew And Mold
It can be hard to give bathrooms enough ventilation when the house is closed up tight for winter. Unfortunately, that buildup of moisture can lead to mildew or even harmful mold. Give the bathroom a thorough cleaning, paying special attention to grout, the ceiling and any other areas showing signs of excess moisture.
Clean The Dryer Vent (and check for blockages outside)
Having the buildup of lint cleaned from your dryer vent is essential to keeping your dryer working efficiently and preventing a potential dryer fire. In winter, snow can also block the exterior vent, so take a walk outside your home to inspect it and remove snow or debris if needed.
Start Planning For A Spring Or Summer Home Sale
If you’re considering putting your home on the market this year, it’s a good idea to start the process now. Set a timetable, interview potential real estate agents and make a list of projects that need to get done to help your home show well.
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